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Description

American Motors was always the company that dared to be different. Even at the height of the muscle car era when 4-seaters were selling as quickly as Ford, GM, and Chrysler could make them, AMC decided the time was right for a 2-seat pony car. The result was the AMX.

There were notably few 290 V8/4-speed AMXs built, just 619 found lucky new owners in 1969. This one, finished in its original Matador Red, is flashy and will likely inspire more than a few questions at gas stations and stop lights. Fortunately, it has been nicely restored so there will be no excuses needed. The unique sheetmetal is laser-straight, the Matador Red will make your eyeballs vibrate, and the two parallel white racing stripes are straight enough for engineering work. The AMX was all about form following function with a shortened Javelin platform and bespoke bodywork from the A-pillar back. The fastback looks like a coiled spring, and the wide rear end is unmistakable for anything else on the road (provided you know what an AMX is). Chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, the AMX emblems on the sail panels are crisply rendered, and if thereпїЅs a car ready to win hearts for AmericaпїЅs last independent auto maker, this is it.

At first glance, the interior may seem black, but it's actually correct code 931 charcoal gray. The 2-seat platform was probably an answer to a question that nobody was asking in 1969, but it gave the AMX a unique position in the market and there's no arguing that sliding into any bright red 2-seater is a thrilling experience. The instruments are housed in deep, round pods directly ahead of the driver, including a 6000 RPM tach, with the two air vents in the dash now filled with mechanical Auto Meter oil pressure and coolant temperature gauges. There's also a Kenwood stereo fitted just below and it appears to be wearing original AMC knobs, which is kind of neat, too. Overall, the interior is nicely finished, with a blend of old and new to create a fun driving environment. And for cargo, thereпїЅs no muscle car as versatile as this with its large rear area and full-sized trunk.

The 290 cubic inch V8 was roughly akin to Ford's A-code 289, making 225 horsepower with a predilection for revs. Linked to a 4-speed manual, it's a rare combination, even for the unusual AMX, and thanks to the lightweight body and trim proportions, performance is explosive. The engine bay is nicely finished to stock specifications, with AMC turquoise paint on the block and a few chrome dress-up items to add interest. The snarky little V8 sounds amazing through a new set of headers and twin Flowmasters. Classic Magnum 500 wheels wear 205/65/15 redline radials that totally nail the 1969 look.

The AMX seems to be gaining some traction in the market, so if you've been eyeing one, now's the time to buy. Call now!